French proposal to ban products containing phthalates, parabens and alkylphenols

On 4 May 2011, the French National Assembly adopted the following proposal to ban three groups of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties: "The manufacturing, import, sale or offer of products containing phthalates, parabens and alkylphenols are prohibited."

The text does not specify whether only some substances in this group are prohibited, what is understood by "products", and whether there would be implementing measures with further details.

The proposal was backed by a small majority in the French parliament notwithstanding the French government's call for its rejection. It will now be reviewed in the Senate, the French upper parliamentary house, which is scheduled to vote on the text within the next four weeks.

It remains to be analysed how the law, if and when adopted, is consistent with EU legislation such as REACH or other chemicals-related laws.